Simulated suit jacket and attire

ABSTRACT

A garment is provided which boasts the ability to simulate an authentic suit jacket, dress shirt, and/or tie for purposes of providing a professional appearance during a video conference call. The garment is configured to open from the back which is easily slipped on and securely attaches to the user&#39;s torso.

RELATED U.S. PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the priority filing date ofthe previously filed, copending U.S. Provisional patent applicationentitled “SIMULATED SUIT JACKET AND ATTIRE” filed Dec. 7, 2016, Ser. No.62/431,028, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to articles of apparel, in particular, toa garment which simulates a suit jacket and attire.

BACKGROUND

Typically, a suit is a semi-formal attire which includes a jacket andtrousers. In formal or semi-formal wear, the suit is worn with variousother items such as quality socks, leather lace-up shoes, and a tie.Sometimes a tie is not worn which provides more of a casual appearance.More recently, the suit attire is customarily worn by men in theprofessional setting such as occupations relating to business, law, andpolitics.

A coat or jacket is usually made of worsted wool; however, othermaterials such as silk, cotton, linen or polyester can be utilized.Typical suit jackets have a collar, pockets, and a silk or polyesterlining. Suit jackets come in many colors, but the most common are darkblue, brown and grey. Suit jackets come in different styles includingdouble-breasted (buttons on both sides of the front), single-breasted(buttons down one side of the front only), two-button, three-button ormore.

There are many different accessories that are worn in conjunction withthe suit which can be selectable according to the desires of the owner,such as a dress shirt, dress socks and shoes, ties, vests, andsleeveless V-neck garments. A shirt is worn in conjunction with thejacket and is typically made of silk, cotton or linen. Generally, a tieis worn and attached to the collar of the shirt and is typically made ofsilk or polyester, and it usually has a color or pattern on it.Occasionally, a suit is worn with a bow tie or no tie at all.

Generally, suits are expensive, take time to properly care regardingcleaning and storage, and are somewhat taxing to change into on a dailybasis for a job within the business setting. In the realm of business,suits are worn on a day to day basis and are the standard when it comesto business attire dress code. Business oriented employees andexecutives are expected to wear suits while interacting in theirrespective business environments. However, recently, many people whichhave business oriented careers are now spending time working from homeor telecommuting—utilizing tools such as telecommunications, email, andvideo conferencing.

Even though many business men and women are now working from home, theystill need to maintain a certain business professional appearanceparticularly when communicating via video conferencing in order tomaintain the status quo of business attire. This means that even thoughthe business man or woman is working from home, they still need toprovide the appearance that they are within the business setting duringvideo conference calls, thus requiring them to change into businessoriented attire such as a suit jacket and pants in order to properlyprovide the correct appearance during a video conference. Many peoplefind it exasperating to change into their complete business suit attire,wasting critical time and effort in order to provide the appearance of abusiness professional during a video call.

For the foregoing reason, there is a need for a garment that cansimulate the appearance of a suit jacket which can easily be taken onand off.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the invention, a garment is provided which boasts theability to simulate an authentic suit jacket, dress shirt, and tie forpurposes of providing a professional appearance during a videoconference call. The garment is configured to open from the back whichis easily slipped on and securely attached to the user's torso.

In summary, the invention generally comprises a garment having a collarportion, front portion, and a rear portion. In a version, the garmentgenerally comprises (a) a suit jacket having an interior; (b) a dressshirt portion appearing within and affixed to the interior of the suitjacket, wherein the front portion simulates the appearance of aconventional suit jacket and dress shirt combination; (c) the rearportion comprising a longitudinal divide extending from the collar tothe bottom defining a first side portion and a second side portion, (d)a means for fastening together the first side portion with the secondside portion; and (e) a first strap connected to and extending below thefirst side portion and a second strap connected to and extending belowthe second side portion.

In a version of the application, the means for fastening is reciprocalhook and loop material operably positioned to connect the first sideportion with the second side portion.

In alternative version, the hook and loop material is positioned on theexterior of the first side portion and a reciprocal hook and loopmaterial positioned on the interior of the second side portion, wherebywhen the second side portion is extended over the first side portion,the hook and loop material fasten together, thereby securing the garmentto the person.

In certain versions, a means for connecting the collar at the divide isprovided, wherein the means for fastening further providescircumferential length adjustment of the collar in order to fit snuglyaround the user's neck. For example, the means for fastening is a buckletype fastener.

In other versions, the garment further comprises a shirt sleeveterminating at a shirt cuff, the shirt cuff having at least onefunctioning button. And in other versions, the suit jacket furthercomprises a suit jacket sleeve terminating at a suit cuff, wherein thedress cuff extends approximately 1 inch or greater below the suit cuff.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first version of the simulatedsuit jacket and attire;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 1 withthe rear portion in the in the partially unfastened position;

FIG. 5 is front elevation view of the dress shirt portion of the versionshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a version of the suit jacket cuffshowing faux button on jacket sleeve;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a version of a combination of the dressshirt sleeve and suit jacket sleeve;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the suit jacket of a version of theapplication;

FIG. 9 is an up-close view of the collar portion and buckle fastener ofthe version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the version shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an up-close view of the collar and buckle fastener of theversion shown in FIG. 1 while in the fastened position;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view photograph of a version of theapplication while in the open position;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the version shown in FIG. 12 shownwhile in the fastened position;

FIG. 14 is a rear illustrative perspective view showing the userattaching the simulated suit to the user's torso of the version shown inFIG. 5; and

FIG. 15-FIG. 17 illustrate how the garment is put on and fastened aboutthe user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not forpurposes of limiting the same, the present invention is a garment whichsimulates a suit jacket and associated attire for purposes of videoconferencing and other video telecommunications.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth such as particulararchitectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed in other versions that depart from these specific details.

Moreover, the description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, butis made merely for the purpose illustrating the general principles ofthe invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by theappended claims. Various inventive features are described below that caneach be used independently of one another or in combination with otherfeatures.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich the invention belongs. As used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any referenceto “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwisestated.

With reference to the figures, a description of a version of theinvention will be provided. FIG. 1 is an illustrative front view showingthe garment 10 as intended to be viewed during a conference call. Thegarment 10 is configured to adapt and appear as an authentic suit jacketand related attire worn by the participant 90 of the video call. Duringa computer implemented video conference call, typically the participant90 is seated and only viewed from the torso up—focusing on theparticipant's 90 face. Because much of the torso of the participant 90is shown—the participant 90 should be in suitable attire which isnaturally expected in the business setting.

In a first version of the invention as illustrated by FIG. 1-FIG. 11,the garment 10 generally comprises the appearance of a suit jacket 12 incombination with a dress shirt portion 14. In the illustrated version,the garment 10 including in combination the suit jacket 12 and dressshirt portion 14 generally includes a collar portion 16, a front portion18, a rear portion 20, an exterior 22 and an interior 24.

The suit jacket 12 can be of any configuration or esthetic design,preferably designs that imitate a front perspective realistic suitjacket which may be utilized in the business type setting. In a versionof the application, the suit jacket 12 generally comprises a frontbreast portion 18 having connected sides at the waist and opposingsleeves 26L, 26R terminating at a cuff 28L, 28R. Further, the suitjacket 12 may comprise pockets 30, buttons 32, and may come in differentstyles and colors such as a double-breasted or single breasted. Fauxtype buttons 32 may be utilized to enhance simulating the appearance ofthe suit jacket 12 as authentic. Moreover, faux type pockets 30 may beutilized to enhance the realistic appearance of the suit jacket 12. Forexample, Faux buttons 32 may be positioned on the outer sleeves 26L, 26Rnear the suit jacket cuff 28L, 28R or uitlized in the front immitatingthat the suit jacket 12 is buttoned down in the front 24. The suitjacket 12 can be made of wool, silk, cotton, linen, polyester or anyother type of material that imitates the authentic appearance of a suitjacket.

Similarly, the dress shirt portion 14 can be configured to simulatevarious styles, designs, and configurations. Preferably designs arecustomary in the business setting. Overall, the garment 10 including thesuit jacket 12, dress shirt portion 14 and accessories may come in manystyles in accordance with the user's preferences and desired look.Moreover, a plurality of faux 34 and real buttons may be utilized toenhance simulating the appearance of the dress shirt portion 14 andoverall appearance of the garment 10.

As best illustrated by FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the dress shirt portion 14 isconfigured to appear within and affixed to the interior of the suitjacket 12, wherein the overall look of the front portion 18 simulatesthe appearance of a conventional suit jacket and dress shirtcombination. In detail, the dress shirt 14 or a portion of a dress shirt14 is affixed to the interior of the suit jacket 12 such that at leastthe front portion 36 of the dress shirt 14 is exposed in combinationwith the front breast portion 24 of the suit jacket 12, which providesthe look of an authentic suit and associated attire from a front viewperspective. A tie 38 may also be included if desired for a certainprofessional appearance. The dress shirt 14 can be hemmed, glued orotherwise affixed as is known in the art of tailoring to the interior ofthe suit jacket 12. The combination of the suit jacket 12, dress shirt14, and optionally a tie 16 provide the overall appearance of the viewedfront portion 18 of the garment 10.

In certain versions, the garment 10 further includes shirt sleeve cuffportions 40L, 40R extending below the respective right and left suitjacket cuffs 28L, 28R. Preferably, the shirt sleeve cuff portions 40L,40R are affixed so that each extends at least 1 inch or greater belowthe cuff 28L, 28R of the suit jacket and may include at least onefunctioning button 42.

The rear portion 20 of the garment 10 generally provides the appearanceof the rear of a suit jacket providing material covering the torso ofthe participant 90. In a version, as best illustrated by FIG. 10, therear portion 20 generally comprises a longitudinal divide 44 extendingfrom the collar portion 16 to the bottom of the garment 10 and suitjacket 12. The rear portion 20 is split by the longitudinal divide 44into opposing first side portion 46 and a second side portion 48 whichcan be freely opened and spread apart or oppositely aligned and broughttogether to collectively form the rear portion 20 of the garment 10.

Generally, as illustrated by FIG. 4, FIG. 10-FIG. 13, the first sideportion 46 and the second side portion 48 generally have reciprocalmeans for fastening 50 together the first side portion 46 with thesecond side portion 48 while the garment 10 is worn by the participant90. In the version, the means for fastening 50 is a hook and loopmaterial combination or otherwise known as Velcro. Preferably, the hookand loop material 50 a is positioned on the exterior of the first sideportion 46 near the longitudinal divide 44 and the reciprocal hook andloop material 50 b positioned on the interior of the second side portion48 near the longitudinal divide 44. Thus, when the second side portion48 is extended over the first side portion 46, the hook and loopmaterial 50 a, 50 b adhere together, thereby securing the garment 10 tothe participant 90. The Velcro is utilized to close the rear portion 20of the garment 10 at the longitudinal divide 44 once the garment 10 isput on about the participants 90 torso as further described below. Otherversion of the application may utilize a means for fastening such asbelts, snaps, buttons, adhesives or other materials that exhibitqualities of attachment.

In certain versions of the application as best illustrated by FIG.10-FIG. 13, each of the opposing first and second side portions 46, 48further include an attachment portion 52L, 52R having a downwardextending handle 54L, 54R, attachment portions 52 are located near thelongitudinal divide 44 and are generally affixed to the respective sideportion 46, 48. The first attachment portion 52L generally extendsdownward from near the collar 16 at an angle towards the opposing secondside portion 48 terminating at a free handle 54L. Likewise, the secondattachment portion 52R generally extends downward away from the near thecollar 16 at an angle towards the opposing first side portion 46terminating at a free handle 52R.

Preferably, each attachment portion 52L, 52R may comprise an integralflap 56L, 56R having an outer perimeter 60 and having a triangular shapeas shown. Other shaped outlines can certainly be envisioned. The firstattachment portion 52L outer perimeter 60 generally extends downwardfrom near the collar 16 at an angle towards the opposing second sideportion 48 terminating at a first handle 54L. Oppositely, the secondattachment portion 52R has a second integral flap 56L having a secondouter perimeter 60, the second outer perimeter 60 extending downwardfrom near the collar 16 at an angle towards the opposing first sideportion 46 terminating at a second handle 54R. When the handles 54L, 54Rare grasped and pulled to the opposing side by the user, the triangularstructure distributes force from the collar 16 extending down thelongitudinal divide 44 perimeter of each respective side portion 46, 48.Thus providing an easy way for the participant 90 to pull laterally mostof the longitudinal divide length of each of the opposing first andsecond side portions 46, 48 together. Therefore, fastening together eachof the reciprocal Velcro surfaces 50L, 50R. Preferably, the attachmentportions 52R, 52L can be made of a flexible material such as canvas ornylon or may be constructed of rigid or combination of flexible andrigid materials.

Preferably, the attachment portions 52R, 52L are configured tofunctionally allow the participant 90 to pull aside each of the firstand second side portions 46, 48 with a single hand. Thus, preferably,the configuration of each attachment portion 52R, 52L has a triangularframework which is operably connected with each of the opposing sideportions 46, 48. Thus, it can be envisioned that other versions maycomprise only a strap providing a perimeter 60 which extends from thecollar 16 at an acute angle relative to the vertical axis towards theopposing side portion 46, 48 terminating at a handle 54, wherein ananchor strap 62 is positioned connecting at a point which bisects thestrap to the side portion 46, 48. Thereby, providing two points ofcontact, one near the collar 16 and one near the longitudinal midpoint63 of each side portion 46, 48. Thus, providing the participant with twosimultaneous points of pull when fitting the garment 10. Therefore,other versions can certainly be envisioned which carry out thefunctional aspects of the attachment portions.

In the version as best illustrated by FIG. 10-FIG. 11, the Velcro 50 a,50 b is preferably positioned as a first longitudinal strip extendingvertically from near the collar 16 to at least partially along thelongitudinal divide 44 of the exterior of the first side portion 44 andas a second longitudinal strip extending vertically from near the collar16 to at least partially along the longitudinal divide 44 of theinterior of the second side portion 48. The opposing Velcro surfaces 52a, 52 b are aligned such that when the second attachment portion 52R isextended over the first attachment portion 52L, the Velcro 52 a, 52 badhere, thereby securely fitting and fastening the garment 10 about theparticipant 90.

As best illustrated by FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the collar 16 of the garment10 has a means for connecting the collar 64 located at the longitudinaldivide 44. The means for connecting 64 is configured to connect theopposing sides of the divided collar 16. In the illustrated version, astrap 66 and buckle 68 configuration is provided which enables theparticipant 90 to fit the collar 16 about the participant's 90 neck.Moreover, the buckle 68 is translatable along the strap 66 whichprovides the ability to tighten and loosen the circumference of thecollar 16. The means for connecting 64 utilized in conjunction with therear portion 20 means for fastening 50 together the first side portion46 and the second side portion 48 provide a superior, snug fit about theparticipant's 90 body and torso.

Now referring to FIG. 14-FIG. 17, the operation and use of the garment10 will now be described in detail. The garment 10 is generally put onfrom the rear portion 20 by opening and separating the first and secondside portions 46, 48 at the longitudinal divide 44, wherein theparticipant 90 places both arms into each correlating sleeve andaligning the collar portion 16 with the participant's 90 neck.Thereafter, the participant 90 fastens the collar portion 16 buckle 68about the participant's 90 neck and adjust the circumference of thecollar portion 16 via the slidable strap 66. Next, the participant 90reaches with a first hand behind the participant's back and grabs theopposing side handle 54 urging the opposing side about the participant's90 torso. Next, with the participant's 90 other hand, the participant 90reaches behind the participant's 90 back and grabs the opposing sideshandle 54 urging the side portion towards the opposing side portionabout the participant's 90 torso. Thus, the participant 90simultaneously overlaps the first and second side portions 46, 48attaching them securely by way of affixing the hook and loop fasteningsurfaces 50. FIG. 17 illustrates proper attachment of the garment 10 onthe participant 90 ready to simulate a suitable attire for a businessvideo conference call.

The garment 10 can be made in any manner and of any material chosen withsound engineering judgment. Preferably, materials will be strong,lightweight, long lasting, economic, and ergonomic. Construction of thegarment 10 can be made of any known material known in the textile artsuch as cloth, synthetics, and other clothing material.

The invention does not require that all the advantageous features andall the advantages need to be incorporated into every version of theinvention.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described inconsiderable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention arecertainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not belimited to the described embodiments herein.

All features disclosed in this specification including any claims,abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly statedotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment simulating a conventional suit jacketand dress shirt, the garment having a collar portion, front portion, anda rear portion, the garment comprising: a) a suit jacket having aninterior; b) a dress shirt portion appearing within and affixed to theinterior of the suit jacket, wherein the front portion simulates theappearance of a conventional suit jacket and dress shirt combination; c)the rear portion comprising a longitudinal divide extending from thecollar to the bottom defining a first side portion and a laterallyopposed second side portion; d) a means for fastening together the firstside portion with the second side portion; and e) a first strapconnected to and extending below the first side portion and a secondstrap connected to and extending below the second side portion.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for fastening is reciprocal hookand loop material operably positioned to connect the first side portionwith the second side portion.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein thehook and loop material is positioned on the exterior of the first sideportion and a reciprocal hook and loop material positioned on theinterior of the second side portion, whereby when the second sideportion is extended over the first side portion, the hook and loopmaterial fasten together, thereby securing the garment to the person. 4.The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a means for connecting thecollar at the divide, wherein the means for fastening further providescircumferential length adjustment of the collar in order to fit snuglyaround the user's neck.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the meansfor fastening is a buckle type fastener.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the garment further comprises a shirt sleeve terminating at ashirt cuff, the shirt cuff having at least one functioning button. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the suit jacket further comprises asuit jacket sleeve terminating at a suit cuff, wherein the dress cuffextends approximately 1 inch or greater below the suit cuff.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of faux buttons toenhance simulating the appearance of the suit jacket.
 9. A garmentsimulating a conventional suit jacket and dress shirt, the garmenthaving a collar portion, front portion, and a rear portion, the garmentcomprising: a) a suit jacket having an interior; b) a dress shirtportion appearing within and affixed to the interior of the suit jacket,wherein the front portion simulates the appearance of a conventionalsuit jacket and dress shirt combination; c) the rear portion comprisinga longitudinal divide extending from the collar to the bottom defining afirst side portion and a laterally opposed second side portion, d) ameans for fastening together the first side portion with the second sideportion; e) the first side portion having a first member extendingdownward from near the collar at an angle towards the opposing sideportion terminating at a first handle; and f) the second side portionhaving a second member extending downward from near the collar at anangle towards the opposing side portion terminating at a second handle.10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for fastening is a hookand loop material combination, the hook and loop material is positionedon the exterior of the first side portion and a reciprocal hook and loopmaterial positioned on the interior of the second side portion, wherebywhen the second side portion is extended over the first side portion,the hook and loop material fasten together, thereby securing the garmentto the person.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a meansfor connecting the collar at the divide, wherein the means for fasteningfurther provides circumferential length adjustment of the collar inorder to fit snugly around the user's neck.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein the means for fastening is a buckle type fastener.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the garment further comprises a shirtsleeve terminating at a shirt cuff, the shirt cuff having at least onefunctioning button.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the suitjacket further comprises a suit jacket sleeve terminating at a suitcuff, wherein the dress cuff extends approximately 1 inch or greaterbelow the suit cuff.
 15. A garment simulating a conventional suit jacketand dress shirt, the garment having a collar portion, front portion, anda rear portion, the garment comprising: a) a suit jacket having aninterior; b) a dress shirt portion appearing within and affixed to theinterior of the suit jacket, wherein the front portion simulates theappearance of a conventional suit jacket and dress shirt combination; c)the rear portion comprising a longitudinal divide extending from thecollar to the bottom defining a first side portion and a laterallyopposed second side portion; d) reciprocal hook and loop materialoperably positioned to connect the first side portion with the secondside portion; e) the first side portion having an integral first flaphaving a first outer perimeter, the first outer perimeter extendingdownward from near the collar at an angle towards the opposing sideportion terminating at a first handle; f) the second portion having anintegral second flap having a second outer perimeter, the second outerperimeter extending downward from near the collar at an angle towardsthe opposing side portion terminating at a second handle; and g) a meansfor connecting the collar at the divide, wherein the means for fasteningfurther provides circumferential length adjustment of the collar inorder to fit snugly around the user's neck.
 16. The apparatus of claim15, wherein the means of fastening is a buckle type fastener.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the hook and loop material is positionedon the exterior of the first side portion and a reciprocal hook and loopmaterial positioned on the interior of the second side portion, wherebywhen the second side portion is extended over the first side portion,the hook and loop material fasten together, thereby securing the garmentto the person.